Country Music News

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Wow. Who saw this one coming? I'm sure a few people did, but surprisingly, not me. I mean, it is a bit of a surprise. The inductees of most recent years have been so much more traditional. Charlie Daniels and Josh Turner were the last two. Now, Carrie Underwood I believe should have been chosen when "Jesus Take the Wheel" was at its highest peak. That is a song in itself should get you an invitation. Why now? Good question, but overall I think she will be an excellent member of the Grand Ole Opry.

What I hope her induction will lead her to though is a strong reminder and re-focus on traditional country music. Learn from the role models by talking to them, watching their performances, and applying it to her career. I believe that she can be one of the most talented country music performers in the business if she re-dedicates herself to it and not try so hard to be both country and pop. Before the hate mail begins, I do believe Underwood is a very talented country performer, however, I believe she can be even more of a powerhouse.

She will become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on May 10, 2008. Randy Travis extended the invitation last week as she performed "I Told You So," a cover of Travis.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Now, if you have followed me for any amount of time, you know I'm a huge fan of XM Radio. Not only do I believe they have the best country music selection. Many other great features including The Grand Ole Opry, on Tuesday's XM Exclusive (Channel 2) carries special shows for country music fans, and their overall programming displays they really know (and care about) country music.

Here is yet another example of XM's power and what a satellite radio service can do that terrestrial radio can not.

Beginning midnght April 1, XM Channel 17 (U.S. Country which programs country music from the 80's and 90's) will become Strait Country for 2 months. The new, limited-run channel, "Strait Country", will feature songs from Strait's vast audio catalog, XM-exclusive interviews with the artist's friends and some of his closest colleagues, as well as other original XM programming that celebrates the musical contributions of "King George." In addition, the channel will showcase Strait's newest album, Troubadour that will be released April 1, by highlighting tracks off the new release every hour.

Now, this really states my case for XM radio. FM/AM radio can't do this. Sure, they could play one song or something an hour or do some type of theme, but XM can because if you don't feel like listening to Strait at that moment (which I don't think I could ever feel like that,) you can switch to Channel 16 for the hits of today, Channel 13 for Willie's Palce for traditional country, Channel 10 for classic country, or channel 161 for a direct feed of WSIX-FM from Nashville.

Beginning April 1, we will be in for a real treat. Hopefully if you aren't already a XM fan, this will give you a little push to find out more about what you are missing. If you are already a XM listener, well, I'm sure the unit will be parked on 17.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

The distinctive voice, the country to the bone delivery of masterful lyrics, Randy Travis is one of those artists that I consider the elite of country music. He is something special, no doubt.

Its been 8 years since we have had a country single from him, but he has been recording quiet a bit of country/gospel albums. His new single "Faith In You" is available starting today on his website as a free download. This is the first single from his new album upcoming in July 29. The album will be titled "Around the Bend." The album is already available from Amazon.com for pre-order and as of right now track samples are on the Amazon website, I'm not sure if this was supposed to be available, so go listen while it is there.

To get your free copy of the new single which is of Randy Travis' highest caliber, visit his website and click on the small banner in the right-top corner. It is well worth the very little time to grab this single. I would go right now and get the single due to it is promoted as for a limited time only.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Wow, now this will be amazing. I'm sure this show will make it somewhere close to give myself a chance to see this musical. Conway Twitty is one of those legendary artists that I cant get enough of hearing about and listening to his music. What a distinctive voice and talent.

It’s Only Make Believe – Is so much more than a tribute show to American Music Icon Conway Twitty whose untimely death in 1993 left a void in the world of Country Music. It’s Only Make Believe is Conway Twitty’s story told through the eyes and heart of his children. It is a loving musical scrapbook of memories that is honest, touching, funny, heartbreaking and sincere. This production will be a musical journey of his heart, from humble beginnings to Rock and Roll Idol and all the way to a pure Country Legend.

It’s Only Make Believe will be touring across the country make stops at venues of all sizes, including Performing Arts Centers, state fairs, and theaters. The show will be exclusively booked through Buddy Lee Attractions in Nashville, Tennessee.

Conway Twitty was an American Icon. He was a rock star, a country music legend and a loving father of four. Conway Twitty’s career began in Rock and Roll and landed squarely in the heart of America as the leading Country performer of his time with an all time record of 55 number one hits.

Reba McEntire will host the Academy of Country Music Awards, set to air live Sunday, May 18th at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. This year's telecast, which is produced by Dick Clark Productions, Inc., will mark the unprecedented 10th time that McEntire has hosted the show.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Wow, well, someone had to do it, Taylor Swift relinquishes her #1 Country Album spot this week to Chris Cagle's new CD (Check out the front page of the website by the way for a little message from Cagle.)

According to cmt.com, Cagle sold 36,000 to Swift's 33,000. Cagle's album debuts as Swift's album has been out for 70 weeks. October 24, 2006 the self titled album was releases. About a year later, the same album was re-released as deluxe edition with a DVD.

Isn't time for a new album? I understand the business side of this equation; the album is still selling beyond belief and all, but, the legends of our music wouldn't have wait this long to put albums out, no matter how well an album did. Some would put albums out twice a year, or more. Bill Anderson in the 60-70's released 2 0r 3 a year. Countless others I could show the same pattern. Alan Jackson releases one a year on average, including one tomorrow (last studio album from him was September 2006 then the Jackson/Strait/Buffett live album in April of 2007.)

Personally though, wouldn't a business model show that 2 albums is better than 1? For example, have 1 that is still selling like crazy and then have a 2nd album that fans can go pickup as well and sell very well. She very easily could hold #1 and #2 spots.

Her sales average around 34,000 a week (58 weeks it went double platinum [34,00 multiplied by 58=1972000.) So there hundreds of thousands that own the album, I believe there is a market out there that is wanting something new. Couple reasons-- the die hard Taylor Swift fans need something new to hear and the listeners that enjoy her music want to see what else she can do and what talent she has.

My big question is she able to become an established artist or is this one album going to be her career. I hope sooner than later, we will find out.

I expect Alan Jackson will take the top spot next week, and slip Swift to #3, I guess we will see...